Logistics: The Libyan Fuel Cloud

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July 19, 2011: An international fleet of 35 aerial tankers is supporting the 150-200 sorties a day NATO and Arab aircraft are flying over Libya. The tankers (from eight nations, but most are American) deliver 1.1 million liters (over 900 tons) of fuel a day. This allows fighter-bombers to stay over Libya longer, waiting for a target. A typical refueling provides an aircraft with 5-10 tons of fuel. These operations usually take place at about 7,000-8,000 meters (22,000-26,000 feet) and at speeds of 500-560 kilometers an hour.